Mark Nolan
Clerk to the Authority
Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service
Garstang Road
Fulwood
Preston
PR2 3LF
12th February 2026
Mr Nolan
LANCASHIRE COMBINED FIRE AUTHORITY BUDGET CONSULTATION
Lancashire Fire Brigades Union (FBU) finds itself in an unprecedented position.
Due to continued reductions in funding to Fire and Rescue Services across the UK since 2010, we are now at a critical financial point unlike anything we have experienced before.
Despite extensive lobbying and campaigning of local MPs by a cross-party delegation — including senior officials from Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service (LFRS) and the Lancashire FBU Brigade Secretary — Lancashire was hit with an estimated £3–£4 million reduction in the Fair Funding Review.
In light of these circumstances, FBU Lancashire fully supports the proposed £5 increase in Council Tax for a Band D property in Lancashire.
The FBU has concerns about increased borrowing; however, we recognise that due to ongoing underfunding from the current and previous governments, the service has little alternative.
The FBU will always support continued investment in Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service to ensure the safety of our communities, protect frontline services, and maintain the high standards of emergency response that the public rightly expects.
The FBU fully supports the investment set out in Table 5 in the Capital Programme. The FBU will support and work with the service in delivering a service that serves the communities of Lancashire and a better service for its staff.
Regardless of the outcome of the Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP), Lancashire FBU remains committed to working constructively with LFRS to achieve a smooth transition and reduce any impact on the service.
The FBU support the investment in Leadership and Development Centre (LDC).
Failure to invest in the center reduces the quality of training to all staff
Yours Sincerely
Kev Wilkie Fire Brigades Union Lancashire Brigade Secretary